FOXBORO, Mass. — Keion White confirmed what many New England Patriots followers realized on draft evening: He’s removed from an energizer bunny.
“I imply, I don’t know if anyone observed, however I’m not an enormous power man,” the monotone edge rusher mentioned after observe Wednesday, prompting laughter from reporters as he referenced one of many facets Matthew Judon dropped at the group.
“I type of simply play the subsequent play and do my job,” White mentioned. “Yeah, we’re completely different in that sense.”
White’s subdued response after the Patriots drafted him within the second spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft went viral. On the time, many questioned whether or not it was as a result of White didn’t wish to be a part of New England however he clarified it was as a result of he’s a “chill” particular person.
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The loud and playful Judon in all probability wouldn’t be categorized as the identical.
So whereas White received’t be bringing the identical power as Judon, his will attempt to assist fill Judon’s on-field prowess. Judon confirmed he had surgical procedure after tearing a tendon in his bicep throughout New England’s blowout loss in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Judon reportedly will miss no less than two months.
“Ju is a vital a part of this protection so you possibly can’t actually change him with one man,” White mentioned. “All of us need to contribute and fill his function.”
Defensive assistant Jerod Mayo advised reporters Tuesday that White will see an elevated function. Regardless of extra restricted utilization — White has performed 35% or extra of snaps in two of New England’s 4 video games — he’s registered six quarterback pressures on the season, per Professional Soccer Focus. He put forth movie of him wrecking opposing offensive traces.
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“We actually want him to indicate up,” Mayo advised reporters.
White expressed how he’s seen firsthand how exhausting Judon works each day. It’s one thing the Georgia Tech product will attempt to emulate transferring ahead — he’ll go away the power to another person.